Sea & Sea DX-860G Housing Plus Digital Camera Set
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Small but powerful, this DX-860G set packs 6.2 megapixel effective resolution into a convenient underwater package that’s perfect for beginners. The rugged housing is rated to a depth of 45 meters or 150 feet, and has a lever-type shutter. There is also an accessory shoe for attaching accessories.
An exclusive bayonet mount accepts a wide-angle conversion lens or a close-up lens designed for the DX-860G, and you can attach or detach each lens underwater. A built-in flash diffuser softens the built-in flash for more gently illuminated images, and it comes with a single fiber-optic cable socket for an external flash.
Main Features of the 860G Camera:
- Ultra-fine CCD with an effective 6.2 megapixels (maximum recordable 8 megapixels) provides high-resolution image capture
- Large 2.5-inch TFT liquid crystal monitor
- Light-weight, thin aluminum camera body
- Optical 3x zoom lens with a focal length from 35 to 105mm (35mm film camera equivalent)
- Macro mode on zoom lens will focus as close as 5cm / 2inch from a subject
- Adjustable white balance with settings compensates for different lighting (Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Tungsten, Sunset, and Custom)
- Exposure correction function shifts auto-exposure settings to compensate for tricky lighting situations
- Continuous shooting function and auto-bracket function allow capturing quick bursts of images and automatic exposure variation
- Adjustable ISO sensitivity (Auto, 100, 200, 400) sets CCD for exposure control
- Special effect settings (Black-White, Normal, Sepia, RGB) for unique images
- Sharpness settings (Soft, Normal, Vivid) control image clarity
- Nine photo frame functions put graphic frames around your images
- Motion picture function - 640×480 pixel (VGA) resolution at 24 fps
- Built-in 32MB memory
- Accepts SD / multimedia cards for additional image-storage
- Lithium-ion battery and charger
- Compatible with PictBridge for image printing
Main Features of the DX-860G Housing:
- Bayonet mount accepts a wide-angle conversion lens or a close-up lens
- Lens can be attached/detached underwater
- Single fiber-optic cable socket for an external flash
- Built-in flash diffuser softens flash illuminated images
- Lever-type shutter release makes tripping the shutter easy and responsive
- Rugged housing rated to a depth of 45m / 150ft
- LCD monitor & inner camera hoods keep display clear in strong back lighting
- Accessory mounting shoe
The DX-860G + 860G set is a compact digital camera and underwater housing that makes underwater photography easy and enjoyable. SEA&SEA is renowned for its underwater imaging equipment, and one of the biggest attractions of any SEA&SEA product is the option to easily add quality external strobes and lenses. Skillfully use of these can greatly enhance your results.
Get more details or order the Sea & Sea DX-860G
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Sea & Sea DX-1G 10 Megapixel Compact Underwater Digital Camera System
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The image quality of the DX-1G is so superior it defies the term “compact”. With 10 million pixels, this next generation underwater digital camera system achieves a decisive balance between style and performance. It offers an uncompromising and sophisticated design together with advanced technology.
The globally recognized concept and benefits of this unrivaled, premium underwater camera system will satisfy the most demanding user. Its exceptional quality image reproduction, highly functional & stylish housing, and innovative features specific to the underwater environment, make the DX-1G unique.
In addition to the auto shooting mode that allows you to casually take pictures while allowing the camera to take care of all the details, the DX-1G digital camera is also equipped with aperture priority mode / manual exposure mode for optimal creative control.
The aspect ratio can be selected from three choices, namely 4:3, 3:2 (which is the same as with 35-mm film cameras), and 1:1. You can enjoy photography similar to that performed with a medium-sized camera. Pictures in the nostalgic tone of sepia can also be taken, in addition to monochrome.
The 1G camera is compatible with three types of power source, namely the rechargeable battery, AAA batteries and AC adapter. The high-performance rechargeable battery allows about 340 pictures to be taken. Also, the readily available AAA batteries allow about 30 pictures to be taken, making them convenient while traveling.
This system is comprised of the DX-1G housing and 1G camera which is removable from the housing.
Main Features of the 1G Camera:
- 10 megapixel CCD for superior resolution and image reproduction
- 24mm to 72mm 3x optical zoom
- 2.5 inch 230,000 pixel LCD monitor
- Compatible with RAW data storage
- Vibration correction and image stabilization
- 1cm or 0.4 inch macro mode for ultra close-ups
- Innovative SEA&SEA mode for optimal underwater images
- Aperture priority mode and manual exposure modes
- Maximum aperture (f-stop value) from f2.5 to f4.4
- MMC recording medium with an SDHC / SD memory card
- Equipped with 26MB built-in memory
Main Features of the DX-1G Housing:
- High-quality design with premium feeling & superior operability
- Equipped with two fiber-optic cable sockets
- Equipped with a built-in flashlight diffuser
- All shooting functions on the 1G camera are operable
- Wide-angle conversion lens for DX-1G is available (Optional)
- Outer hood and inner hood for LCD monitor
- The highest reliability with a depth rating of 55m or 180ft
- Soft grip protector for stability and comfort underwater
Get more details or order this Sea & Sea DX-1G
Shop for all underwater cameras here
Framing Your Shots – Differences Underwater
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Some of the various framing techniques used in picture composition have already been discussed, along with reasons why one may want to use them. Here we want to look at some differences and how shooting underwater can actually make framing almost automatic.
Keep in mind that shades of blue are all the color not filtered out by the water. Add in variations in visibility and light and you get some built-in frames for many photos. In fact, eliminating these is often the larger challenge with underwater photography.
For example look below at the helm in the bridge of this sunken ship. Being inside the ship is already a low-light condition anyway, but while the flash is sufficient to illuminate the helm in the foreground, it’s not powerful enough to light up much of the remaining bridge structure to the rear. You get a great frame plus a little mystique about the rest of the bridge. (photo credit: Paulo Calluf)
Something to keep in mind here is if your frame actually blocks something from view it can arouse viewers curiousity about whatever it is they can’t see. Also, creating a fuzzy or blurred frame can do the same thing, and the latter can be used to create depth or different moods as well. But with all these type techniques be careful you don’t end up drawing viewers away from your subject.
Below is another instance where the water absorbs the flash after a few feet leaving the deck gun and other background in shades of blue. Notice too that not filling the frame with the bottle and jar allow the viewer to get some context.
(photo credit: alfred_bham)
Th next image shows some ammunition being framed with the top of the barrel. The viewer sees not only some context but it also demonstrates containment or organization for the subject. You get the ammo, plus what it was stored in, along with just a bit of the remaining deck structure. (photo credit: jcator)
In this last photo, the frame used is an actual window. By showing the subject within this viewport on a sunken Betty bomber, he is not only nicely framed, but provides context in showing the size of the port itself. (photo credit: tropical pete)
Photo location: Truk Lagoon
Framing Your Shots – First On Land
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Unless one is merely flicking off snapshots, there’s generally a desired subject providing the impetus for taking a picture. Framing this subject is an effective way of drawing viewers attention to what you want them to see.
The frame can be any number of things from an actual frame like a window, door, or archway; to contrasting colors, light, and shapes; along with trees, structures and any number of other choices. Even using other people in the shot can work but will cause confusion if done poorly.
Frames are usually in the foreground of the image although from time to time you will see them in the background. In some intances they will be at the same depth as the subject as seen here with the Bluebonnets surrounding the Indian Paintbrush. In this case, they provide a little context as well.
And they don’t actually have to surround your subject – frames on top and bottom work just fine, as do those on the sides like the trees bordering this road through a rainforest. Notice how the dead leaves have a similar effect.
Aside from focusing attention on the subject in your photo, framing that subject may keep the viewers attention a bit longer. Here the tunnel makes a great frame while at the same time it could make the viewer curious about the location. Without more data, we might guess it’s anything from an old military fortress, to underground utility access, or even some sort of extensive wine cellar.
Framing can also add the third dimension of depth, or provide context by showing certain parts of the surroundings. This old windmill does frame the person standing inside but they are really too far away to be seen clearly. In this case the person standing under the arch actually provides perspective by making it easy to gauge the size of the windmill.
In this last photo, filling the frame with the subject would not be nearly as interesting as seeing that what he’s lying in is actually a stone bath tub that’s over 200 years old. It can also be seen that this vintage tub is located in its own structure with a view to the outside.
Furthermore, since bath tubs are a relatively modern device, one can probably deduce this very ancient one is something only the wealthy would have and therefore likely that we’re viewing a photo of an old-fashioned bath house on some sort of estate or plantation.
SeaLife SL321 ECOshot Digital Camera
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The world’s first truly waterproof and shockproof digital sports camera, the ECOshot digital camera is made especially for the active outdoor and water sports enthusiast. It’s rugged case protects it from the usual bumps and knocking around, while being waterproof down to 75 feet eliminates worries about moisture from rain or splashes.
Let your creativity shine with the new SPY mode, which lets the camera do all the work by allowing it to take continuous pictures at preset intervals of time. Capture those impossible pictures when you can’t get close to the subject.
Product Features include:
- 6.0 mp CCD sensor for sharp images
- Depth rating to 75ft / 23m
- Shockproof tested to 6ft / 2m
- Large 2″ LCD for easy viewing and aiming
- Land & Sea exposure modes
- Video mode with audio
- Spy mode for continuous pictures at preset time intervals
- Fast start-up time and shutter response so you don’t miss the action
The ECOshot is compact and ready for action. It’s depth rated to 75 feet and includes the popular Land & Sea modes for bright, colorful images on land or underwater. It has a long battery life powered by 2 AA batteries, instant focus from 2ft / 60cm to infinity, full rubber armor for sure grip and extra shock protection, and an SD card expanding memory up to 1 GB.
Get more details or order this SeaLife SL321 ECOshot
Shop for all Underwater Cameras here
Stop Relying On Digital Zoom
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Get rid of it – turn it off – do whatever you have to in order to avoid using it. Beginners in particular tend to use their cameras zoom feature as a shortcut when trying to compose their shots, when they really should be taking the time to properly fill the frame.
Optical zoom is helpful once you’re as close to your subject as you can reasonably get, but digital zoom will likely just make the picture blurrier. This is because unlike the true magnification achieved by optics, digital zoom merely increases pixel size. The image looks larger but not as crisp.
You can see this happen when using the cropping feature in your photo editing software to enlarge a portion of a photo. It’s doing the same thing as the digital zoom on a camera, and the resulting enlargement will be noticeably blurry.
So why you might ask, is digital zoom touted as a desirable feature by camera manufacturers? Probably because it sounds good. Heck, it sounded good to me upon first hearing of it, and I got as much as I could afford. It was later that I noticed what it really did.
Sometimes zoom is useful, but even here avoid doing it digitally.
Even if you think you need it, why not leave it off and take the best shot you can. You can always enlarge it like described above and have lost nothing. Better yet – take the shot both ways and experiment.
Something else about digital zoom if your camera doesn’t have image stabilization is that it’s nearly impossible to hold steady. Even shooting with a tripod is iffy.
SeaLife ReefMaster DC310 Digital MAXX 3.3MP Digital Dive Camera
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If you’re looking for a complete digital underwater camera system, then check out the SeaLife Digital MAXX. It provides 3.3 megapixel resolution for superb photo-quality up to 10’ by 14’ enlargements. Rated to 200 feet of depth, the camera can also be removed from its protective housing for use on land whenever the waterproof functionality isn’t needed.
The MAXX comes with a protective hard sided travel case, dual external flash units, and 8x & 16x macro lenses. It also has a 2x digital zoom, and stores images in 8 MB of internal memory or a 128 MB SD (Secure Digital) memory card which is included. Powered by SeaLife 2100 mAh rechargeable batteries, it also ships with 3 batteries as well as a charger.
The SeaLife DC310 Digital MAXX includes everything you need to take professional quality, underwater digital images. The MAXX inner digital camera is SeaLife’s 3.3 Mp DC310 that includes three exposure programs - Land, Sea and Sea with External Flash mode. The instant delete function is great for first-time users since they can shoot; review; then keep or delete with the push of a button.
This ReefMaster from SeaLife is equipped with two external flashes that will light up the deep and capture spectacular underwater images with the brightest colors imaginable. The advanced dive housing is rubber armored and includes a full access control system, allowing users to manipulate resolution, light sensitivity, exposure modes and much more. The MAXX is depth tested to 200 feet.
The 3 exposure modes are as follows:
In “Sea” mode, the shutter speed and aperture adjustments help compensate for lower lighting conditions encountered underwater.
In “Sea with External Flash” mode, the built-in flash helps illuminate objects, but for more professional results, the ReefMaster MAXX is compatible with SeaLife’s External Flash unit. No sync cord is required since the external flash is a slave unit activated by the built-in flash.
In “Land” mode, once you’ve removed it from it’s housing, the SeaLife ReefMaster operates just like a regular digital camera.
Get more details or order this SeaLife ReefMaster DC310
Shop for all Underwater Cameras here
Dive Camera is Also Great for the Rugged Outdoors
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Back in 2005, Time Magazine included the DC500 Underwater Digital Camera from SeaLife as one of the Most Amazing Inventions of that year. Since then SeaLife has continued to push the envelope in dive cameras.
Said to be “In a league of its own”, the SeaLife DC500 is waterproof to a depth of 200 feet. Weighing in at just over a pound with dimensions of only 3.5” by 5.5”, the DC500 eliminates the bulk found in most traditional underwater cameras.
The article went on the say that picture quality was not sacrificed for small size, and that this digital camera captures ultra sharp, high-resolution images, even while overcoming poor lighting. Most notable is a price tag of under $500.
Time also noted that SeaLife cameras are great for use on land and on top of the water as well as under it. This 5 Mega Pixel, 3X Optical Zoom camera can take the extreme abuse that hunting, fishing, rock climbing, canoeing and other rugged outdoor sports can place on delicate, digital equipment.
The SeaLife DC500 is easy to use, offering comfortable handling and simple one-button operation. It also offers “Shark Mode”, a fast action mode that virtually eliminates annoying shutter lag, allowing you to capture that quick moving shot.
In addition the DC500 is expandable. Even though it has a flash built in, external flash attachments are available, along with more lens choices for those special needs.
Get more details or order the SeaLife DC500
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